J2Ski Forum Posts and Replies by Ranchero_1979

Ski rental shop linked to guide shop has plenty of slection of offpiste skis with touring bindings so perfect for Engelberg.

About to book Solden for a week in March and then 2 weeks in Chamonix and hopefully Mt Blanc in May. Jan/Feb out of question with knee but can still squeeze in 4 weeks in Europe. Brother just moved to NZ so all things equal can still be a good 2013.

I bought a pair of Salomon Shogun few years ago, 102mm under foot. They still have some shape, are light and you can carve properly onpiste with them. Overall I think they are a great compromise. Even on 100% piste days now I tend to wear them, including in bumps. Have a pair of Dynastar 4 x 4 in locker and never take them out these days. Having said that I will be investing in a pair a slalom skiis next year.

If you go that width I think you just need to be careful of getting something that is a pure powder ski; straight/soft/massive rocker in which case likely to be rubbish onpiste.

Hi Steve,

The main square in Chamonix is where people normally gather to see in NY. Am not sure what happens further up valley in Argentiere.

Are you planning on driving as cannot believe so many public transport choices on NYE if planning on heading into Chamonix.

What do you have in your mind for skiing. This time last year was epic powder but required some local knowledge to make best of skiing given Avalanche risk was so high.

Definitely on way, we have moved from highs in low 50's to mid-high 40's.

My only fear is that it will come too soon, still recovering from last years injury and miles away from being fit :-(. March seems realistic time to be skiing again and no offpiste 2013. If there is anyone who wants to ski South America or NZ 2013 buzz me.

Well plenty of choice out there.

Just remember the average ski boot is fine for ski touring in if your aim is basically to access powder. I have some 130 DIN Lange and these are fine for few hours (2-3) uphill. Only disadvantage is that you are slightly slower than someone in touring boots as stride/slide is always few " less.

If going for Haute Route or similar more substantial touring then I would get something that accepts dynafit bindings. Huge weight saving compared to more traditional touring bindings.

Have to agree with Bandit. Buying ski boots online or from a shop without specialist fitter is a disaster. Length is not the most important factor. I have substantial ankle so go 1 shell size up to accommodate but have zero movement in boot.

In general they should be "uncomfortably tight" when you first buy them. But to be sure they will settle out you need someone to verify boot actually makes sense for shape of your foot. Normally best to buy in resort (multiple shops and fitters) but not on evening first arrive given feet will be swollen from flight and altitude increase.

If you want to verify if person is not just trying to sell you something in stock point to a boot and say you want it. Anyone even 1/2 decent will ask to see feet and flexibility before even getting onto boots, sizes, what you level is. You will also likely need to have a booking for the very best boot fitters.

Paying a decent amount for boot fitting is money well spent in long run.

One of best things about Chamonix, Saturday Market. Honest living with a bit of X factor (which the British love so much) added in.